‘Weak’ planning laws are killing pubs, Campaign for Real Ale warns

More than 200 pubs have been converted to convenience stores over the past two years, a report by campaigners shows.

Camra chief executive Mike Benner said the loss of pubs to supermarket empires will become an ‘all-too-common sight’. (Picture: Alamy)

‘Weak’ and ‘misguided’ planning laws have enabled Britain’s biggest supermarkets to ‘rip the hearts of out small communities’, says The Campaign for Real Ale.

Since the beginning of 2010, 130 pubs have been taken over by Tesco, 22 by Sainsbury’s and a further 54 by grocers such as The Co-Operative, Asda and Costcutter. The future of another 45 hangs in the balance.

Camra has urged the government to change laws that allow pubs to be demolished or converted without the need for planning permission. The group says the loophole is rendering communities powerless to save them.

Camra chief executive Mike Benner said the loss of pubs to supermarket empires will become an ‘all-too-common sight’.

He added: ‘Weak and misguided planning laws and the predatory acquisition of valued pub sites by large supermarket chains, coupled with the willingness of pub owners to cash in and sell for development, are some of the biggest threats to the future of Britain’s social fabric. At a time when 18 pubs are closing every week, this is damaging a great British institution.’